Matthew Day Twenty

Matthew 20:32-34 -

Jesus stopped and called over, "What do you want from me?"

They said, "Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!"

Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant ...

Observation/Application: It's no accident that this scene follows the one where everybody (through parable and real life) has just been jockeying for position. Jesus said that in order to be first, you must be last; in order to be greatest, you must be least.

These are confusing concepts, especially when our human perspective of what is "fair" and "just" contrasts so starkly against what Jesus says is just.

So now these guys come along asking for something so pure ... for their eyes to be open. Jesus smiles and says, "Now that's what I'm talking about ... somebody who wants to look beyond their own world, their own perspective and see what's really out here."

My prayer:
God, Open my eyes. Help me to clearly see beyond myself, my own needs, my own insecurities, my own desire to be important or respected or admired. Help me to see life the way you see it; people the way you see them. Help me to open my eyes each day and see the needs of OTHERS that I need to meet. Focus me beyond my tiredness and self-inflicted agenda to hone in on the things you want me to say and do. Amen.